Method of providing wings for human arms and apparatus for use thereof

ABSTRACT

An over the elbow glove made up of fabric or other materials that creates a sleeve base using friction to keep it in place. Sewn into any seam of the glove/sleeve construction is fabric or other materials of any shape and proportion making a fabricated wing. The wearer&#39;s arm is used like a ballast to carry the wing.

REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION

This application claims the priority of provisional application 61/130,408, filed May 31, 2008 entitled WINGED-GLOVE/WINGED-SLEEVE AKA: SLEEVE/GLOVE TO CARRY A WING AKA: WHIMSY WINGS by Annette Segal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The field of this invention relates generally to fabricated wings for human arms, and specifically toward artificial wings that are attached to the arms of a human rather than to the human's back.

2. Description of the Prior Art

In human experience, it is often the case that a person wishes to dress up as a being with wings, such as a bird, an insect, a fairy and the like. In the past, fabricated wings have been offered that protrude from the back of the wearer. The primary construction of prior art that create the illusion of a human with wings have included acrylic or other materials that cover the wire construction that forms the wing portion. Primarily, an elastic material is used to keep the wings in place, but other methods have been employed, including the use of harness-type construction that can be strapped, wired or belted to the wearer. Likewise, the harness can also be elasticized under the arm, over the chest or across the waist with the fabricated wings protruding out from the back of the wearer at a location near the shoulder blades.

Such wire construction makes the use of these types of wings uncomfortable and awkward. The bulk of the wire and harness constructions makes the wings cumbersome to transport and burdensome to store for later use. Unfortunately, the elastic often used does not stop the wings from slipping and falling out of place, thereby creating an unwieldy, bulky and unreliable fit.

There is a need, therefore, for an apparel accessory that provides fabricated wings to the wearer that are constructed of soft materials. Furthermore, completely different construction is required for ease of movement, transport and storage, along with comfort during wear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches a specialized glove/sleeve that has a fabricated wing-like extension below the arm that is sewn into the seam of the glove, under the arm, above the arm or on any seam of the aforementioned glove or sleeve. The fabricated wing portion of the device may be any shape or size made from fabric or other materials. The wing can be gathered, pleated, layered or darted. Similarly, any other type of specialty stitching that enhances the desired look of the fabricated wing can also be used.

Specifically described herein is a simulated wing for attachment to a human arm comprising: a sleeve including at least one seam wherein the sleeve is made of a two-way stretch material; a glove attached to the sleeve; and an attachment to be attached to the sleeve at a seam wherein the attachment extends along any portion of the sleeve.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that the glove is fingerless.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that embellishments are attached to said attachment.

The current disclosure also describes a method of providing the illusion of wings for a human arm comprising the steps of: obtaining at least one human arm; sliding onto a human arm a simulated wing, the simulated wing further comprising: a sleeve including at least one seam wherein the sleeve is made of a two-way stretch material; a glove attached to the sleeve; and an attachment to be attached to the sleeve at a seam wherein the attachment extends along any portion of the sleeve; lifting the human to expose the attachment; and lowering the human arm to conceal the attachment.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that the glove is fingerless.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that embellishments are attached to said attachment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is to be made to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangement shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of the preferred embodiment of one of the winged glove/sleeves of the instant invention where the glove is fingerless.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the preferred embodiment of one of the winged glove/sleeves of the instant invention where the glove has fingers.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the entire system of the instant invention with two wings used by both arms of a human.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The preferred embodiment of the instant invention discloses a winged glove/sleeve combination device that is constructed of fabrics that have two-way stretch. Some examples of fabrics like this include: LYCRA®, lightweight LYCRA® or spandex. The two-way stretch allows for the best fit and the best structure for a device that can bear the weight and size of the wing. Accordingly, the weight of the fabric has little impact on whether or not it will stay in place during movement. This two-way stretch fabric allows the sleeve to stay in place even during vigorous movements, including dancing and playing. The inherent structure of the wearer's arm along with the two-way stretch fabric synergistically prevents the entire unit from slipping down, no matter the size, shape or proportions of the wing portion or any other attachments.

Turning to the drawings, the preferred embodiment is illustrated and described by reference characters that denote similar elements throughout the several views of the instant invention.

Referring particularly to the drawings, in FIG. 1, there is shown a front view of one of the wings 10 of the preferred embodiment. In this figure, the combination glove/sleeve 12 is fingerless. However, other embodiments can include fingers 14 in the glove portion 16 or other finger attachments (see FIGS. 2 and 3). It is important to note that the ability of the device to function properly is not dependent upon whether or not there are fingers, thumbs or finger attachments included. The sleeve/glove 12 will stay up and keep the wing portion 18 in place due to the synergistic frictional interaction between the shape of the wearer's arm 20 and the fabric used to make the sleeve portion 12. The arm 20 and friction 22 bear the weight of the wing portion 18 or other attachments regardless of being subject to vigorous motion of the arms 20, twisting, turning, lifting or any dancing movements.

In the preferred embodiment, the wing portion 18 is made from any fabric or material, including, but not limited to, chiffon, organza, polyester or gauze, that will allow the wing portion 18 to flow downward from the arms 20 in a soft flowing manner. As the arms 20 are lifted up, the wing portions 18 appear to float into an upward position, thereby forming a full and open wing-like appearance. Placing the arms 20 downward closes the wing portion 18 as a bird would close its wings, thereby allowing the arm 20 to become an integral part of the wing portion 18 instead of keeping the wing 18 separate from the wearer's arms 20.

The materials used are chosen for the ability to enhance the mimicking of wings that are found in nature. For example, lighter, sheerer fabrics would imitate the wings of butterflies, dragonflies, bees, fairies, etc. Heavier materials would enhance the imitation of ladybugs, bats and dragons. A dragon wing could be enhanced by a heavier weight of fabric that in combination with the design of the wing portion 18 to include darts and/or pleating can provide a system that makes noise as the wings are engaged in an up and down direction. This sound enhances the effect on the wearer and stimulates the imagination and may be used during dance or other expressive routines to create a rhythmic sound effect.

The device 10 can include any style, size or shape of the wing portion 18 or other attachment that is sewn into the bottom seam 24 or any seam of an opera-type glove/unattached sleeve which can extend anywhere from the fingertips to anywhere above the elbow. The base glove/sleeve 12 as well as the wing portion 18 or other attachment can include embellishments of any type of materials, such as beads, ribbons and the like.

Alternative embodiments can include variations to the style of the wing portion 18, including the length, shape, number of layers of fabric or types of materials to form the wing portion 18 or attachment. Alternate embodiments can also include split seams, upper or lower seams, one way stretch or no stretch fabrics, loose fabrics, thick fabrics, etc. The list is virtually limited only by the imagination of the creator of the device 10. However, not all materials and fabrics will function in the same way. Some fabrics may cause slipping of the sleeves. In those embodiments, control of the device can be achieved by attaching the glove/sleeve base 12 in some way to another garment or portion of anther garment.

The stitching in the wing portion 18 attachments into the seams of the glove/sleeve base 12 may be at any angle, may be made with any size stitch, including the possibility of interrupted stitching. The stitching may be used to enhance the style or construction of the device 10 as a whole or in part, such as using the marrow edging on the end of the wing portion 18 in various colors or combinations.

The preferred embodiment employs the marrow edging. Any type of surged edge using any number of threads, rolled hem, and zigzag edge or hem may be used, however. Other types of edging may include pinking the edges with pinking shears. Also possible for attachment to sleeve are iron-on adhesives, VELCRO®, snaps, buttons, zippers or other types of adhesive materials to attach to the sleeve. The sleeve 12 and wing portions 18 may be painted, glued, glittered or wired.

Fraying techniques, meshing techniques, felting techniques, embroidery techniques and any other stitching techniques may be used alone or in combination. Some kinds of decorative stitches could include overlooks, pin stitches, surged, marrowed, rolled hems, zigzag, flat seams, bias seamed edges, blind seams, French seams, curled and twisted, among others.

The primary object of the wing is to mimic wings in nature. However, the invention may include any shape or combination of shape fabrics or materials sewn into the sleeve/glove base. These shapes and combinations are limited only by the imagination of the creator.

The discussion included in this patent is intended to serve as a basic description. The reader should be aware that the specific discussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible and alternatives that are implicit. Also, this discussion may not fully explain the generic nature of the invention and may not explicitly show how each feature or element can actually be representative or equivalent elements. Again, these are implicitly included in this disclosure. Where the invention is described in device-oriented terminology, each element of the device implicitly performs a function. It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the invention. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. These changes still fall within the scope of this invention.

Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of any apparatus embodiment, a method embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the invention, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms even if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. It should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description. 

1. A simulated wing for attachment to a human arm comprising: a sleeve including at least one seam wherein said sleeve is made of a two-way stretch material; a glove attached to said sleeve; and an attachment to be attached to said sleeve at said at least one seam wherein said attachment extends along any portion of said sleeve.
 2. The simulated wing as defined in claim 1 wherein embellishments are attached to said attachment.
 3. A method of providing the illusion of wings for a human arm comprising the steps of: obtaining at least one human arm; sliding onto said at least one human arm a simulated wing, said simulated wing further comprising: a sleeve including at least one seam wherein said sleeve is made of a two-way stretch material; a glove attached to said sleeve; and an attachment to be attached to said sleeve at said at least one seam wherein said attachment extends along any portion of said sleeve; lifting said at least one human to expose said attachment; and lowering said at least one human arm to conceal said attachment.
 4. The method as defined in claim 4 wherein embellishments are attached to said attachment. 